AFM pastor arrested for faking armed robbery involving US$7500 cash and lying massively to police

Lebraity Makuni, a 28-year-old pastor at the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, Praise and Worship Centre Assembly, finds himself in the dock after being arrested for allegedly fabricating a home invasion and armed robbery. The pastor reported losing US$7,500 and other valuables in a violent incident at his Chitungwiza home, a claim now under intense police scrutiny.

Pastor Makuni’s account to police detailed a dramatic late-night intrusion. He claimed that three armed robbers, wielding an iron bar, forced their way into his home through the kitchen door around midnight. He alleged that he was awakened by the noise, confronted by the assailants, and subsequently assaulted. According to his statement, the robbers bound his hands with a computer cable, stuffed cotton wool into his mouth, and repeatedly beat him while demanding cash.

The pastor further claimed the robbers ransacked his house, eventually discovering and stealing US$3,000 hidden under his mattress, along with a Tecno mobile phone. He reported being left bound and injured after the alleged robbers fled the scene. This detailed narrative, however, has been challenged by investigators.

The truth behind Pastor Makuni’s story appears to be far less dramatic. Investigations revealed that the pastor’s alleged robbery was a fabrication designed to cover up a financial transaction gone wrong. It is believed he received US$3,000 and a Tecno cellphone from a congregant in exchange for a promise to deliver maize – a promise he seemingly failed to keep.

The congregant, involved in the poultry business, had entrusted the pastor with the money and phone in anticipation of receiving the maize. The failure to deliver the promised goods, coupled with the apparent deception, led to the subsequent investigation and the uncovering of the fabricated robbery report.

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed Pastor Makuni’s arrest and subsequent court appearance. “Police arrested a church pastor for supplying false information. He has since appeared in court,” Inspector Chakanza stated. The pastor was granted US$100 bail with conditions requiring him to report to Chitungwiza CID every Friday between 6 am and 6 pm.